Upright vacuum cleaner with supplemental cleaning tool having swivel connection

ABSTRACT

An upright vacuum cleaner includes a body having a nozzle assembly, a handle assembly, a cleaning wand and a connection mechanism between the nozzle assembly and the canister assembly. That connection mechanism may be a pivot or a swivel. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are carried on the body. Further, the upright vacuum cleaner includes a supplemental cleaning tool and a swivel connection between a first end of the cleaning wand and the supplemental cleaning tool.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates generally to the floor care equipment field and, more particularly, to an upright vacuum cleaner including a cleaning wand and supplemental cleaning tool that is connected to the cleaning wand by swivel connection.

BACKGROUND

It is known in the art to provide upright vacuum cleaners with a removable wand and a supplemental cleaning tool. This greatly increases the versatility of the vacuum cleaner. More specifically, one removes the wand and may then utilize the supplemental cleaning tool for cleaning tasks for which the nozzle assembly of the upright vacuum cleaner is not suited. For example, it is possible to manipulate the wand so that the cleaning tool may be utilized to clean drapes, upholstery, window sills, the tops of baseboards, under furniture and other floor areas where the nozzle assembly cannot be used due to clearance issues.

In these prior art vacuum cleaners, the supplemental cleaning tool is typically secured to the wand through a rigid connection. This rigid connection often hinders the use of the supplemental cleaning tool for many potential cleaning applications. In order to address this problem some supplemental cleaning tools are connected to the wand via pivotal connection. While pivoted movement in one plane is of some benefit, operators desire additional operating performance. This document relates to an upright vacuum cleaner incorporating a supplemental cleaning tool that is connected to the wand via a swivel connection. For many applications, such a swivel connection allows the supplemental cleaning tool to be more quickly and easily positioned to provide the most effective and efficient cleaning. Thus, this represents a significant advance in the art.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the purposes and benefits described herein, an upright vacuum cleaner is provided comprising a body including a nozzle assembly, a handle assembly and a connection mechanism between the nozzle assembly and the canister assembly. In one possible embodiment the connection mechanism is a pivot. In another possible embodiment the connection mechanism is a swivel.

A cleaning wand is carried on the body. A suction generator is carried on the body. A dirt collection vessel is also carried on the body. Further, the upright vacuum cleaner includes a supplemental cleaning tool and a swivel connection between a first end of the cleaning wand and the supplemental cleaning tool.

More specifically, the swivel connection includes a wand mounting member, a first pivoting connector carried on the wand mounting member, a second pivoting connector carried on the supplemental cleaning tool, and a swivel yoke connecting the first and second pivoting connectors. The swivel yoke includes a first trunnion connected to the first pivoting connector and a second trunnion connected to the second pivoting connector. The first trunnion lies on a first axis and the second trunnion lies on a second axis wherein the first axis and the second axis are offset from and perpendicular to one another.

Still further describing the upright vacuum cleaner, the nozzle assembly includes a suction inlet. Further, in one possible embodiment a rotary agitator is held in an agitator cavity of the nozzle assembly. In addition, in one possible embodiment the supplemental cleaning tool is connected to the cleaning wand and held thereon when the cleaning wand is carried on the body of the upright vacuum cleaner.

In accordance with an additional aspect, an upright vacuum cleaner is provided comprising a body including a nozzle assembly, a handle assembly, a first swivel connection between the nozzle assembly and the handle assembly and a cleaning wand. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are carried on the body. Further, a second swivel connection is provided between a supplemental cleaning tool and the cleaning wand. Thus, the upright vacuum cleaner includes two different swivel connections between two different cleaning tools: the nozzle assembly of the upright vacuum cleaner and the supplemental cleaning tool. Further, in one possible embodiment the supplemental cleaning tool includes a support wheel to aid in moving the supplemental cleaning tool over a surface to be cleaned.

In the following description, there are shown and described several preferred embodiments of the upright vacuum cleaner. As it should be realized, the upright vacuum cleaner is capable of other, different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the upright vacuum cleaner as set forth and described in the following claims. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the upright vacuum cleaner and together with the description serve to explain certain principles thereof. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the upright vacuum cleaner configured for normal operation in the upright vacuum cleaning mode.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upright vacuum cleaner configured for supplemental cleaning application mode.

FIG. 3 illustrates the swivel connection between the nozzle assembly and the handle assembly.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the suction pathway when the upright vacuum cleaner is operated in the upright vacuum cleaning mode.

FIG. 5 is a detailed, exploded perspective view illustrating the swivel connection that is provided between the cleaning wand and the supplemental cleaning tool.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 5 but illustrating the swivel connection fully assembled.

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the supplemental cleaning tool showing the suction inlet and the support wheel/roller.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the upright vacuum cleaner, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 and 3, illustrating the upright vacuum cleaner 10 configured for standard or normal upright vacuum cleaner cleaning. The upright vacuum cleaner 10 includes a body comprising a nozzle assembly 12, a handle assembly 14 and a connection mechanism 18 between the nozzle assembly and the canister assembly. In one possible embodiment the connection mechanism 18 comprises a pivot. In another possible embodiment the connection mechanism 18 comprises a swivel. Such a swivel connection 18 includes a swivel 20 that is secured to the nozzle assembly 12 by an axle 21 upon which the swivel pivots relative to the nozzle assembly. The swivel 20 also includes a pivot boss 22. The support 24 is received in the pivot boss 22 so as to pivot or rotate relative to the swivel 20. As should be appreciated, the swivel 20 pivots about a first axis A₁ defined by the axle 21 while the support 24 and entire handle assembly 14 pivot about a second axis A₂ defined by the pivot boss 22. The axis A₂ is offset from and perpendicular to the axis A₁ thus providing two degrees of freedom and a swivel connection. More detailed information respecting the swivel connection may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (attorney docket no. 380-507), entitled “Upright Vacuum Cleaner With Swivel Connection Between Nozzle and Handle Assemblies”, filed currently herewith, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

As schematically illustrated in FIG. 4, the nozzle assembly 12 includes an agitator cavity 26. A rotary agitator 28 is received in the agitator cavity 26. As further illustrated in FIG. 4, dirt and debris is drawn into the agitator cavity 26 and swept by the rotary agitator 28 toward the suction inlet 30. From there the airstream entrained with dirt and debris is drawn through the supplemental cleaning tool 32, a cleaning wand 16 and a flexible hose 34 to the dirt collection vessel 36.

The dirt collection vessel 36 may comprise an ordinary dirt cup, a cyclonic dirt cup or a vacuum cleaner filter bag. Dirt and debris is removed from the airstream and collected in the dirt collection vessel 36. The relatively clean airstream is then drawn through the suction generator 38 where the airstream provides cooling for the suction generator motor before being forced through the final filter 40 and then returned to the environment.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2 illustrating the upright vacuum cleaner 10 configured for specialty cleaning applications. More specifically, the cleaning wand 16 and attached supplemental cleaning tool 32 are removed from their mounting position on the body of the vacuum cleaner 10 and manipulated by an operator to complete the desired cleaning task in a convenient and efficient manner.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2, 5 and 6 illustrating the supplemental cleaning tool 32 and the swivel connection, generally designated by reference numeral 42, provided between the supplemental cleaning tool and a first end 44 of the cleaning wand 16.

As illustrated, the swivel connection 42 includes a wand mounting member 46, a first pivoting connector 48 carried on the wand mounting member, a second pivoting connector 50 carried on the supplemental cleaning tool 32 and a swivel yoke 52 that connects the first pivoting connector with the second pivoting connector. The swivel yoke 52 includes a first trunnion 54 connected to the first pivoting connector 48. More specifically, the first trunnion 54 includes two opposed stub shafts 56 that are received in cooperating lugs 58 of the first pivoting connector 48 that provide for free pivotal movement of the first pivoting connector.

In addition, the swivel yoke 52 includes a second trunnion 60 which includes two opposed stub shafts 62 (only one illustrated in FIG. 5) that are received in cooperating lugs 64 of the second pivoting connector 50 so as to allow free pivoting movement of the second connector secured on the housing 66 of the supplemental cleaning tool 32. As should be appreciated, the first trunnion 54 lies along a first axis A₃ and the second trunnion 60 lies along a second axis A₄ wherein the first axis and the second axis are offset from and perpendicular to one another. The resulting freedom of movement of the supplemental cleaning tool 32 in two perpendicular directions provides a swivel connection that allows one to more easily and effectively manipulate the cleaning tool with the cleaning wand 16.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the wand mounting member 46 carries a lock 68 for securing the mounting member 46 and connected supplemental cleaning tool 32 to the first end 44 of the cleaning wand 16. More specifically, the lock 68 includes opposed pivot pins 70 received in cooperating apertures 72 in the projecting tab 74. A spring 76 biases the lock 68 into a locking position wherein the latching lug 78 extends through the opening 80 in the mounting member 46 and is received in a cooperating notch (not shown) in the first end 44 of the cleaning wand 16.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the supplemental cleaning tool 32 also includes a support wheel 82 that is secured by means of the axle 84 to the supplemental cleaning tool housing 66. This support wheel 82 spins freely on the axle 84 to allow the supplemental cleaning tool to be smoothly moved back and forth over a surface to be cleaned by manipulation of the cleaning wand 16 when grasping the wand handle 86. Dirt and debris are drawn through the suction inlet 85 of the supplemental cleaning tool 32. Next, that dirt and debris pass through a flexible hose that extends through the swivel connection 42 and then through the mounting member 46 to the cleaning wand 16.

In summary, the upright vacuum cleaner 10 provides a number of benefits and advantages not found in prior art upright vacuum cleaners. More specifically, it incorporates a supplemental cleaning tool 32 that has a swivel connection 42 with the cleaning wand 16 so as to make it easier to use and more versatile for virtually any cleaning operation. This includes for the cleaning of drapes, upholstery and other above floor surfaces as well as for under furniture and other areas where limited clearance prevents the use of the nozzle assembly 12. Such a swivel connection 42 is a particularly user-friendly feature. Where the connection mechanism 18 between the nozzle assembly 12 and handle assembly 14 is also a swivel connection, it should be appreciated that this upright vacuum cleaner 10 provides swivel connection between both (a) the handle assembly 14 and the nozzle assembly 12 and (b) the cleaning wand 16 and the supplemental cleaning tool 32. As a result, this upright vacuum cleaner 10 is the first to incorporate dedicated swivel connections to two different cleaning implements for the benefit of the operator.

The foregoing has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, while the cleaning wand 16 of the illustrated embodiment functions as the handle portion of the handle assembly 14, it should be appreciated that a separate handle could be provided if desired. Further, while the illustrated embodiment directs the airstream from the nozzle assembly 12 through the supplemental cleaning tool 32, the wand 16 and the hose 34 to the dirt collection vessel 36, it should be appreciated that the supplemental cleaning tool may be bypassed in this normal upright vacuum cleaner mode of operation if desired. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled. 

What is claimed:
 1. An upright vacuum cleaner, comprising: a body including a nozzle assembly, a handle assembly and a connection mechanism between said nozzle assembly wherein said connection mechanism is selected from a group of mechanisms including a pivot and a swivel; a cleaning wand carried on said body; a suction generator carried on said body; a dirt collection vessel carried on said body; and a supplemental cleaning tool including a swivel connection.
 2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein said swivel connection includes a wand mounting member.
 3. The vacuum cleaner of claim 2, wherein said swivel connection further includes a first pivoting connector carried on said mounting member.
 4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 3, wherein said swivel connection further includes a second pivoting connector carried on said supplemental cleaning tool.
 5. The vacuum cleaner of claim 4, wherein said swivel connection further includes a swivel yoke connecting said first pivoting connector with said second pivoting connector.
 6. The vacuum cleaner of claim 5, wherein said swivel yoke includes a first trunnion connected to said first pivoting connector and a second trunnion connected to said second pivoting connector.
 7. The vacuum cleaner of claim 6, wherein said first trunnion lies on a first axis and said second trunnion lies on a second axis and wherein said first axis and said second axis are offset from and perpendicular to one another.
 8. The vacuum cleaner of claim 7, wherein said nozzle assembly includes a suction inlet.
 9. The vacuum cleaner of claim 8, further including a rotary agitator held in an agitator cavity of said nozzle assembly.
 10. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein said supplemental cleaning tool is connected to said cleaning wand when said cleaning wand is carried on said body.
 11. An upright vacuum cleaner, comprising: a body including a nozzle assembly, a handle assembly and a first swivel connection between said nozzle assembly and said handle assembly; a cleaning wand carried on said body; a suction generator carried on said body; a dirt collection vessel carried on said body; and a supplemental cleaning tool including a second swivel connection.
 12. The vacuum cleaner of claim 11, wherein said nozzle assembly includes a suction inlet.
 13. The vacuum cleaner of claim 12, further including a rotary agitator carried in an agitator cavity of said nozzle assembly.
 14. The vacuum cleaner of claim 13, wherein said second swivel connection includes a wand mounting member.
 15. The vacuum cleaner of claim 14, wherein said second swivel connection includes a first pivoting connector carried on said wand mounting member.
 16. The vacuum cleaner of claim 15, wherein said second swivel connection includes a second pivoting connector carried on said supplemental cleaning tool.
 17. The vacuum cleaner of claim 16, wherein said second swivel connection includes a swivel yoke connecting said first pivoting connector with said second pivoting connector.
 18. The vacuum cleaner of claim 17, wherein said swivel yoke includes a first trunnion connected to said first pivoting connector and a second trunnion connected to said second pivoting connector.
 19. The vacuum cleaner of claim 18, wherein said first trunnion lies on a first axis and said second trunnion lies on a second axis and said first axis and said second axis are offset from and perpendicular to one another.
 20. The vacuum cleaner of claim 19, wherein said supplemental cleaning tool includes a support wheel. 